Najib sends his regards from prison, says Zahid as he talks passionately about his "sahabat sejati"
The grief in Zahid's voice was palpable as he recited lines from the poem, "Sahabatku," which echoed the deep bond and shared struggles between the two leaders.
KUALA LUMPUR - The Umno General Assembly 2024 was filled with a profound sense of loss and nostalgia as Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivered an emotional tribute to his predecessor - which he dubbed "sahabat sejati" (best friend), Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Zahid broke down in tears while reading a poignant poem dedicated to Najib, stirring the hearts of all those present both in and outside the Merdeka Hall at World Trade Centre here today.
The hall, usually filled with the vigor of political discourse, fell into a solemn hush as Zahid's voice trembled through the verses. His tears were not just for a former leader but for a close friend and comrade who now finds himself behind bars.
The grief in Zahid's voice was palpable as he recited lines from the poem, "Sahabatku," which echoed the deep bond and shared struggles between the two leaders.
"Sahabatku, saat kita lewati liku perjuangan ini, kau tebas denai dengan ketajaman fikiranmu, kau atur gerak dengan tangkas langkahmu, Kau angkat darjat bangsa dengan kudratmu," he began. ("My friend, as we traverse this path of struggle, you carve the way with the sharpness of your mind, you guide our steps with your swift movements, you uplift our nation's honor with your strength").
Zahid's tears flowed freely as he read on, reflecting the sorrow that had weighed heavily on him and the Umno fraternity since Najib's imprisonment.
The verses painted a picture of Najib not just as a leader, but as a friend who had stood by him through thick and thin, guiding him and the party with wisdom and strength.
Zahid paused as he reached the lines that described Najib’s current plight, his voice breaking, "Tiada yang lebih meruntun hati, Apabila mengenang pada saat dan ketika ini, Dirimu terkurung di sebalik jeriji besi," he said. ("Nothing tugs at the heart more deeply, than to recall this moment and time, when you are confined behind iron bars").
The poem continued to describe how Najib had tirelessly fought for the Malay community, likening his efforts to provide light to others.
As Zahid concluded the poem, he vowed to continue the struggle to bring Najib back to his rightful place within the Umno family.
The assembly, moved by Zahid's heartfelt tribute, stood in silence, a gesture of solidarity and respect for Najib.
Prior to the special tribute, the Umno President asked Najib's daughter, Nooryana Najwa, to stand up as delegates in the hall applaud and welcomed her with loud cheers.
He said Nooryana, better known as Yana, had just visited Najib in prison. Zahid said Najib had sent his regards to everyone here today.
